MA's New Gathering Limits: What You Need To Know

MASSACHUSETTS — The state is hitting the brakes on its reopening, for the first time walking back some guidelines amid an uptick in coronavirus cases.

Gov. Charlie Baker on Friday announced he was reducing the outdoor gathering limit from 100 to 50, effective Tuesday. The indoor gathering limit will remain at 25.

For gatherings of more than 10 people that include people from more than one household — even those in homes and backyards — everyone above the age of 2 must wear a face covering. Hosts in violation of the order can be fined up to $500 and issued a cease-and-desist order.

For the first time, state and local police will be empowered to enforce fines. They were previously enforced only by local boards of health.

The limits will extend to public and private property, and will apply to programs, celebrations, social events and more.

The limits will not apply to businesses in compliance with industry-specific COVID-19 guidelines, political activities (such as protests) or religious gatherings. It also won't apply to places with specialized purposes, like polling locations and schools.

Baker said Friday the next part of phase three is "indefinitely postponed" and restaurants will have new alcohol restrictions. He also announced the creation of a multi-agency COVID Enforcement and Intervention Team, which will work with local communities to enforce restrictions and stamp out at hot spots.

The crackdown comes after what the governor said was people being "too relaxed about the seriousness of this virus." He pointed to large gatherings in specific communities that have led to the spread of COVID-19.

The weighted seven-day average positive test rate for the coronavirus was at 1.8 percent as of Sunday afternoon, down from over 2 percent when Baker spoke Friday but still up from last month's low of 1.7 percent.

The state on Sunday announced 286 more coronavirus cases and 14 new deaths.